Our figure of the month
In today's information age we are surrounded by an almost infinite amount of data. Each month, the GWS-WiSo-team selects a particularly interesting economic and/or social topic or question from the multitude of available information, which is highlighted as the "number of the month". The current number as well as the earlier numbers of the month can be found here.
Decline in retail trade primarily affects small businesses
Whether it is increasing competition from online retailers and large foreign companies (e.g. Amazon, Shein, Temu), businesses closing due to a lack of successors, declining footfall in city centres or insolvencies – the number of…
Export: It could have been worse!
The development of the German economy continues to be shaped by the successes of the manufacturing industry on export markets. Right now, things are not looking good: the US is responding to its (still) NATO allies with tariffs, threats…
Organic farming is growing, but not everywhere at the same rate: Where Germany stands in comparison to other European countries
Organic products have been gaining popularity in Germany for years, and the organic area has also increased significantly – but recently, this development has stalled. In 2024, the share of organic land in the total area used for…
Will the special fund for infrastructure and climate neutrality put Germany back on track for growth?
With an amendment to the Basic Law in March 2025, the German government paved the way for the special fund for infrastructure and climate neutrality (SVIK). The corresponding law was passed in October—the new government's first major…
Despite a decline in sales and a small harvest, viticulture remains robust and strong in exports
The German Farm Accountancy Data Network (TBN) of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH) is the central basis for the economic analysis of agriculture in Germany. It provides annual key figures on income,…
Many Shining Children's Eyes under the Christmas Tree? Family Structures Today
A decorated Christmas tree – lots of presents underneath, children's eyes full of excitement. This is what a classic Christmas Eve might look like for a family in Germany. After dinner and the exchange of gifts, there’s plenty of time to…
Developments on the electricity market: negative prices and ways to achieve greater stability
The year 2025 is drawing to a close. This is a good time to take a look at developments in the electricity market. Since the beginning of the year, around 13.9 GW of solar and 3.8 GW of wind power capacity have been newly…
Steady increase in wastewater disposal costs
Private households use approximately 121 liters of drinking water per day, mainly for bathing and showering (39%), flushing toilets (30%) and washing clothes (13%).[1] Disposal is mainly carried out via the public sewer system. Sewage…
Industry loyalty or flexibility?
The last twelve years have been characterized by strong demand for German goods and services and, as a result, for labor, despite a shortage of unemployed workers.
On the supply side, the number of people in employment has risen during…
Energy-intensive industry in electricity bidding zones
When the wind blows, wind turbines produce electricity, electricity prices fall and demand for electricity rises – throughout Germany. However, since most of the electricity is produced in northern Germany and cannot be transmitted to…